Microsoft and Google has just released their newest tablet models in the market with the hopes of claiming a market share in the growing tablet demand. Presently, Apple is dominating the tablet market share with their own iPad line but this new products from Microsoft and Google would surely ensure a very competitive atmosphere in the market.

There are many people who are looking for iPad alternatives for their tablet needs and both Microsoft and Google are offering one of the best alternatives out there but which is better among the two? Here is a summary of the technical specifications and features of both Windows 8 Surface and Google Nexus 7:

Windows 8 Surface

Operating Software: Windows RT / Windows Pro

Processor: Nvidia ARM processor / Intel Core i5

Weight: 676g/ 903g

Thinness: 9.3mm / 13.5mm

Display: 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display / 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display

Battery Life: 31.5 W-h / 42 W-h

Features: Office Home & Student 2013 RT, Touch Cover, Type Cover / Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm BlockConnectivity: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae / microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae

Storage: 32 GB and 64 GB / 64 GB and 128 GB

Selling Price and Availability: TBA

Google Nexus 7

Operating Software: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

Processor: 1.3GHz quad-core with 1GB RAM

Weight: 340g

Display: 7-inch with 1280 x 800 pixels

Battery Life: 9 Hours

Storage: 8GB and 16GB

Connectivity: Wi-Fi a/b/g/n

Additional Features: NFC (Near Filed Communication) technology, Android Beam, and Google Wallet

Selling Price and Availability: AU$249 (8GB) and AU$319 (16GB), July 2012

The Verdict

It is hard to come up with a logical decision right now since Microsoft has not disclosed the selling price and availability of their Windows 8 Surface tablets. Despite that, Google Nexus 7 has a good chance of being a worthy iPad alternative since it is much cheaper as compared to Apple's iPad but and the same time, can deliver high-quality performance. The inclusion of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean in Google Nexus 7 makes it easier to use and navigate as opposed to Windows 8 Surface tablets. As for the quality of design, Microsoft has done well with their Windows 8 tablet since the materials utilized are of high-quality thus creating a more sophisticated and professional feel.

Overall, the Google Nexus 7 could be considered as "better" if compared to Windows 8 Surface tablets. There is still a chance though for Microsoft especially when the company would officially announce the selling price and availability of Windows 8 Surface tablets.